JP2007534998A - Computer simulation control system - Google Patents

Abstract

  At least one control module (1, 2) for controlling the computer simulator program, a seat having a seat part (3) and a back support (4), and a user seated on the seat part (3) of the seat; There is provided at least one mechanism (5) for connecting the seat and at least one control module (1, 2) to each other so that at least one control module (1, 2) can be operated therefrom. The back support (4) includes a first position where the back support (4) extends upward from the seat portion (3) at an operating angle (α) and supports at least part of the user's back, 4) does not extend upwards from the seat part (3) at the operating angle (α), for example, and can be moved between a second position for transport and / or storage of the control system. A computer simulation control system.

Description

The present invention
At least one control module for controlling the computer simulator program;
A seat having a seat portion and a back support;
At least one mechanism for coupling the seat and the at least one control module to each other so that a user can sit on the seat portion of the seat and operate the at least one control module therefrom;
Relates to a computer simulation control system comprising

  Such computer simulation control systems are known in the racing car industry. After assembly, the at least one control module and the seat are coupled to each other by the coupling mechanism. The control module comprises a steering wheel arranged in front of the seat in a suitable driving position, for example for race simulation. The computer is, for example, an external home computer, a personal computer, or a game computer. Control modules that control computer simulator programs are known and are commercially available, for example, from Logitech ™.

  In use, the user places his body on the seat to operate the at least one control module. Further, during use, the control module is usually connected to a computer executing the simulator program and controls the program. The assembled control system provides a high reality simulation environment, particularly a relatively realistic sense of the simulation environment, during control of the simulator program.

  A disadvantage of known computer simulation systems is that they require a relatively large space. Thus, transporting and / or storing a known system is relatively cumbersome and expensive. In particular, only a relatively small number of control systems can be packed in a single load volume, for example a single shipping container or a single trailer compartment, resulting in high transportation costs per control system. In addition, handling of relatively large control systems during transport is relatively difficult and can cause collisions that damage the precision components of the system. In addition, the system may be used in different locations because the end user may wish to move the control system from one location to another. This is also relatively difficult to achieve in view of the above system handling issues.

  It is an object of the present invention to improve a computer simulation control system. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a computer simulation control system that can be transported, stored and / or handled relatively safely and easily.

  In order to achieve this object, the computer simulation system of the present invention is characterized by the structure of claim 1.

  According to the present invention, the seat back support includes a first position in which the back support extends upward from the seat portion at an operating angle and supports at least a part of the user's back, and the back support faces upward from the seat portion. For example, it is movable between a second position for transport and / or storage of the control system.

  During normal use of the control system, the back support is in the first position to create a relatively realistic simulator control environment. When the control system is not used, the back support is moved to a second position, for example, to reduce the overall dimensions of the control system, in particular to a substantially horizontal position, in particular to reduce the height of the system. It can be moved easily. When the back support is in the second position, the control system can be transported, stored, and / or handled relatively easily, for example, in a relatively small area. This further results in a substantial reduction in transportation and / or storage costs. Until the present invention, no one has come up with this simple ingenuity that the seat of the computer simulation control system is simply configured as described above and produces the above advantages.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the back support and seat portion of the seat are removably connected to each other when the back support is in the first position, for example using a hinge system, thereby Move to the second position. The back support can be easily removed from the seat, further reducing the overall dimensions of the system.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the back support and the seat portion of the seat are pivotally connected to each other, and the back support pivots about the pivot axis between the first position and the second position. . Accordingly, the back support may be folded toward the seat portion of the seat. This substantially reduces the overall system size.

  According to a further embodiment of the invention, the seat of the control system has a first maximum height when the seat back support is in the first position and when the back support is in the second position. Having a second maximum height, wherein the second maximum height is less than half of the first maximum height.

  In this way, a significant reduction in system dimensions is achieved when the seat back support is in the second position. In particular, the height of the system may be reduced to less than half and preferably the transport volume is also reduced to less than half. Accordingly, the transportation cost and / or handling cost of each computer simulation control system can also be reduced at approximately the same rate of ½ or less.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the back support and the seat part are configured to at least partially surround the storage space when the back support is in the second position.

  Such a storage space is used for safely storing various objects and the like, and the back support and the seat portion of the seat serve to protect such an object from breakage. In that case, it is advantageous if the storage space is arranged to accommodate the control module or at least a part thereof, in particular during transport and / or storage of the control system. In this way, the overall computer simulation control system can be stored and / or transported in a very compact manner, and further, the at least part of the control module is well protected in the storage space. . Such protection is further improved when one or more relatively soft upholster materials are provided on the seat portion and the back support.

  The invention further provides a sheet characterized by the structure of claim 19. Such a sheet provides one or more of the above advantages to the control system.

  19. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the backsheet is moved from the first position to the second position and / or vice versa. Provide further use. For example, the back support is moved to the second position when the control system is to be stored and / or transported safely and easily. The back support is simply moved to the first position when the control system is to be used to control the computer simulator program. The assembled system can then provide a relatively realistic sense of the simulated racing car driver seat, for example, when the system is used in combination with a racing simulator program.

  The invention relates to a method of handling a computer simulation control system according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the back support is moved to the second position for transport and / or storage of the control system. Provide further. This method provides at least some of the advantages described above. Preferably, at least a part of the control module, for example at least a steering wheel and / or at least one foot pedal, is arranged between the seat part and the back support. In this way, a relatively compact system is achieved and the at least part of the control module can be protected by the seat part and the back support. For operation, the back support is moved from the second position to the first position that supports at least a portion of the user's back.

  The invention further provides a container, for example a box, characterized by the arrangement of claim 25.

  9. A container according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the container advantageously has a seat back support positioned in said second position, the back support preferably extending substantially opposite the seat portion of the seat. The computer simulation control system described in 1) is provided. Thus, the container is relatively compact and can require little storage and / or transport space. Furthermore, such containers can be handled relatively easily, preferably alone, and can be stored, for example, in a relatively compact trunk of a private car. In addition, it is advantageous if at least a part of the control module is located in a storage space at least partly enclosed by the seat part of the seat and the back support. Therefore, the seat of the control system serves as an internal container that houses the control module or the control module section.

  Further embodiments of the invention are set out in the appended claims.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts.

1 and 2 show that
At least one control module 1, 2 for controlling the computer simulator program;
A seat provided with a seat portion 3 and a back support 4;
At least one mechanism unit 5 that couples the seat unit 3 and at least one control module 1, 2 to each other so that a user can sit on the seat unit 3 and handle at least one control module 1, 2 therefrom;
1 shows an assembled computer simulation control system comprising:

  In the present embodiment, the control module that controls the computer simulator program includes a steering column including a steering wheel 1 and two foot pedals 2. The mechanism for joining the seat and the control modules 1, 2 comprises an elongate element 5, for example a rigid bar, extending from the lower part 15 of the seat towards the at least one control module 1, 2. The lower seat portion 15 includes a seat support member 15 that extends below the seat portion 3. The seat portion 3 further includes a side portion 16 that extends substantially upward and in particular forms a bucket seat. In addition, the back support 4 includes a shoulder support 25.

  In use, the control modules 1, 2 are connected to computing means or the like and control one or more computer programs running on the computing means. In particular, this embodiment of the control system is configured to control computer racing simulations. Further, during use, one or more displays are provided for displaying the virtual simulator environment. The computing means and display are not shown in the figure.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the seat portion of the present embodiment includes a seat frame 6, and the back support includes a back support frame 8. The frames 6 and 8 are assembled from, for example, a suitable metal tube. Each of the frames 6 and 8 is provided with a support spring 17. The back support frame includes a shoulder support frame portion 25a.

  As can be further seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat is further provided with a suitable upholster material comprising a cover 13 extending above the seat portion 3 and above the back support 4. Preferably, the seat further comprises suitable fillings, paddings, etc. that extend between the cover 13, the frames 6, 8 and the support spring 17 to provide comfort. The cover 3 may or may not include a downward surface of the seat portion, but preferably covers substantially the entire outer surface of the seat. In this way, the cover 13 can provide good protection of the seat part enclosed by the cover, and at the same time provide an aesthetically pleasing and refined appearance.

  As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 3 to 8, the seat frame 6 comprises a bottom frame 6a extending in a substantially horizontal direction as seen when the control system is in the assembled operating position. The seat frame 6 includes a rear frame portion 6b extending substantially upward at an operating angle α with respect to the bottom frame portion 6a. The angle may include a variety of angles, for example, angle α in the range of about 90-135 °, or other suitable angle. In the first position of the back support 4 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the back support frame 8 extends substantially along the rear frame portion 6 b of the seat frame 6. It extends upwardly with respect to the part 3 at substantially the same operating angle α. In its first position, the back support is available to support at least a portion of the user's back. In addition, the seat frame 6 includes a side support frame portion 16 a that provides a rigid bucket seat side portion 16.

  In the present embodiment, the seat frame 6 and the back support frame 8 include a frame connector 7 that movably connects the frames 6 and 8 to each other. In particular, the seat back support 4 is movable between at least a first position and a second position. This second position of the back support 4 is shown in FIGS. In this second position, the back support 4 does not extend upward from the seat portion 3 at the operating angle α, but is substantially opposite the seat portion 3. 7 to 8, the back support 4 lies substantially horizontally in the second position. When the back support 4 is in the second position, the control system is relatively compact, which is advantageous for transport and / or storage of the control system.

  In the present embodiment, the seat back support 4 and the seat portion 3 are pivotably connected to each other, and the back support 4 is arranged around the pivot shaft 10 between the first position and the second position. Turn. To achieve this purpose, the frame connector comprises a suitable hinge 7 that connects the back support frame 8 to the rear frame portion 6b of the seat portion.

  Alternatively, the seat back support 4 and seat portion 3 are detachably connected to each other when the back support 4 is in the first position, for example, to move the back support 4 to a suitable second position. May be. Such detachable connections can be provided in various ways. For example, the back support 4 of the seat and the opposite ends of the frames 6 and 8 of the seat portion 3 may be arranged to be detachably clamped, slid and / or clicked. For example, the rear frame of the seat portion may include an upwardly extending tube or bushing that accommodates a downwardly extending pin of the back support frame 4 to provide such a detachable connection.

  In addition, the present embodiment includes lock mechanism portions 11 and 12 for fixing the back support 4 of the seat to the seat portion 3 when the back support 4 is in the first position. As apparent from FIGS. 3 to 8, each lock mechanism portion includes a bush 11 and a bolt 12. The bush 11 and the respective bolts 12 are arranged so as to cooperate with each other in order to fix the back support 4 in the first position. In the present embodiment, each bush 11 is attached to the seat frame 6. Each bolt 12 is movably connected to the frame 8 by a guide bush 31 connected to the back support frame 8.

  In FIG. 5, the bolt 12 is moved downward into the bush 11 to secure the back support. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 to 8, when the bolt 12 is removed from the bushing 11, the lock is not performed and the back support 4 can be moved to its second position. is there. As clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 7, a retainer 30 is provided on the back frame 8 to hold the bolt 12 in the extended position. In this embodiment, each bolt 12 is provided with an extended grip member 12a to facilitate manual operation and to hold the bolt in the upper pulled-out position in cooperation with the retainer 30. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the locking mechanism may be configured in various ways, including, for example, one or more controllable locking parts, pins, spring means, and the like.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 8, the back support 4 and the seat portion 3 are advantageously configured to at least partially surround the storage space S when the back support 4 is in the second position. The storage space S is preferably configured for receiving the control modules 1, 2 or at least a part thereof when the control system is disassembled, in particular during the transport and / or storage of the control system, Have been adapted. In that case, a very compact structure is realized, in particular for transport and / or storage.

  Preferably, the cover portion 13a extending to the rear side of the seat is detachably connected to the seat portion 3 at least partially. For example, the cover 13 may include one or more sections that extend behind the seat and are detachably connected to the seat portion. Such detachable connections may be provided by various means, for example, by Velcro ™ material, push buttons, elastic materials, wire materials, strings, and / or other suitable means. When the back support is to be moved to the second position, the cover part 13a is easily removed at least partly from the seat part of the seat in order to avoid the cover interfering with its operation.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the seat of the control system is in a maximum first height H1 when the seat back support 4 is in the first position. As shown in FIG. 8, the second position of the back support 4 is such that the seat of the control system is at the second maximum height H2 when the back support 4 is in its second position. . Advantageously, according to the present invention, the second maximum height H2 is less than half of the first maximum height H1, as can be seen from FIGS.

  Further, preferably, when shown in a side view of the sheet as in FIG. 4 or FIG. 8, the length L2 of the back support 4 of the sheet is substantially the same as the length L1 of the sheet portion 3 of the sheet. For example, the length L2 of the sheet back support 4 increases or decreases by about 0 to 10% from the length L1 of the sheet 3. Smaller is preferred, but other length ratios may be used. Thus, the seat of the control system can be made relatively compact by moving the back support to its second position, as shown in FIGS.

  In addition, the sheet preferably serves as an internal container that houses and protects the precision parts of the control system, for example the control modules 1, 2. Further, the computer executing the simulator software may be stored in the storage space S if the computer has an appropriate size with respect to the volume of the storage space S. A relatively small box B may then be used to house a tightly packed control system, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 8, with respect to the safety and simplicity and cost of transportation and storage. Provide benefits. The inner dimension of such a box B is preferably approximately the same as the maximum outer dimension of the sheet with the back support 4 in the second position, measured in the x, y and z directions of Cartesian coordinates. Or slightly larger than its maximum outer dimension, for example by about 10% or 20%. Smaller is preferred, but other ratios of the above dimensions may be used. Such a box B is also prepared for storing other objects, for example, the coupling mechanism 3 and the sheet support member 15 in combination with the folded sheet.

  While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise. This description is not intended to limit the invention.

  For example, the computer simulation control system is suitable for use in combination with a driving simulator program, a racing simulator program, an aviation simulator program, and the like. The system may include one or more control modules, and each module may be provided with one or more control devices, such as wheels, pedals, force feedback control devices, and / or the like.

  The mechanism for coupling the seat and at least one control module to each other may be arranged in various ways. For example, such a mechanism part may be attached to a sheet | seat or may be connected so that attachment or detachment is possible. Similarly, such a mechanism unit may be attached to the control module or detachably connected. For example, the mechanism may be adjustable to adjust the position of the seat and the control module relative to each other, in particular to provide a comfortable control environment for the user.

It is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the seat frame of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the back support in a first position. FIG. 4 is a side view of the seat frame in the position of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the seat frame at the position of FIG. 3. 2 is a rear perspective view of the seat frame of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the back support in a second position; FIG. It is a figure which shows the detail B of FIG. It is a side view of the seat frame in the position of FIG.

Claims (27)

At least one control module (1, 2) for controlling the computer simulator program;
A seat provided with a seat portion (3) and a back support (4);
The seat and the at least one control module (1, 2) are arranged so that a user can sit on the seat part (3) of the seat and operate the at least one control module (1, 2) therefrom. Comprising at least one mechanism (5) coupled to each other;
The back support (4) of the seat has an operating angle (α) that extends upward from the seat portion (3) and supports at least a part of the back of the user. A first position and the back support (4) does not extend upwards from the seat part (3) at the operating angle (α), for example a second for transport and / or storage of the control system. Is movable between
Computer simulation control system.   The control system according to claim 1, wherein the back support (4) extends substantially opposite the seat portion (3) when the back support (4) is in the second position.   The back support (4) and the seat part (3) are arranged so as to at least partially surround the storage space (S) when the back support (4) is in the second position. The control system according to 1 or 2.   4. The storage space (S) according to claim 3, wherein the storage space (S) is configured to receive the at least part of the control module (1, 2), in particular during transport and / or storage of the control system. Control system.   The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the seat part (3) comprises a side part extending in a substantially upward direction, in particular forming a bucket seat.   The seat portion includes a seat frame (6), the back support includes a back support frame (8), and the seat frame (6) and the back support frame (8) connect these frames (6, 8) to each other. 6. A control system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a frame connector (7) that is movably connected.   The seat frame (6) includes a bottom frame portion (6a) extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and the seat frame (6) extends upward from the bottom frame portion (6a) at substantially the operating angle (α). The control system according to claim 6, further comprising a rear frame portion (6b) configured to be movable, wherein the back support frame (8) is movably connected to the rear frame (6b) portion of the seat frame (6).   The back support (4) and the seat portion (3) of the seat are configured such that the back support (4) pivots around a rotation axis (10) between the first position and the second position. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control system is pivotally connected to each other.   To move the back support (4) to the second position when the back support (4) is in the first position, the back support (4) and the seat portion (3) of the seat The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein are mutually detachably connected.   At least one lock mechanism (11, 12) for fixing the back support (4) of the seat to the seat portion (3) when the back support (4) is in the first position; The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:   The lock mechanism includes at least one bush (11) and at least one bolt (12), and the at least one bush (11) and the at least one bolt (12) 11. Control system according to claim 6 and claim 10, arranged to cooperate with each other to secure (4) in its first position.   12. Control system according to claim 6 and 11, wherein each bush (11) is attached to the seat frame (6) and each bolt (12) is movably connected to the back support frame (8). .   At least the back support (4) includes a cover (13), the cover (13) of the back support is at least partially detachably connected to the seat portion (3), and the cover (3) 13. Control system according to any one of the preceding claims, which preferably extends over the seat part (3) after assembly of the system.   The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control module for controlling a computer simulator program comprises a steering wheel (1).   15. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control module for controlling a computer simulator program comprises at least one foot pedal (2).   The at least one mechanism for coupling the seat part (3) and the at least one control module (1, 2) to each other extends at least from the seat toward the at least one control module (1, 2). 16. Control system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an elongate element (3), for example a rigid bar.   The seat of the control system has a maximum first height (H1) when the back support (4) of the seat is in the first position, and the control system includes the back support ( 4) has a second maximum height (H2) when in the second position, wherein the second maximum height (H2) is less than half of the first maximum height (H1). The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein:   The length (L2) of the back support (4) of the sheet is substantially the same as the length (L1) of the sheet portion (3) of the sheet when viewed from the side of the sheet. Item 18. The control system according to any one of Items 17.   The back support (4) of the seat is such that the back support (4) extends upward from the seat portion (3) of the seat at an operating angle (α) and supports at least a part of the user's back. The back support (4) does not extend upward from the seat portion (3) at the operating angle (α), for example, for the purpose of transport and / or storage of the control system. 19. A control system seat according to any one of the preceding claims, which is movable between two positions.   19. Control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the back support (4) is moved from the first position to the second position and / or vice versa. use.   Use of a control system according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for controlling a computer simulator program.   The method of handling a computer simulation control system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the back support is moved to the second position for transport and / or storage of the control system.   23. At least a part of the control module, for example at least a steering wheel and / or at least one foot pedal, is arranged between the seat part (3) and the back support (4). the method of.   24. A method according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the back support (4) is moved from the second position to the first position supporting at least a part of the user's back.   19. The back support of the seat is positioned in the second position, and the back support preferably extends substantially opposite the seat portion (3) of the seat. A container, such as a box, provided with the computer simulation control system described in the section.   The control module (1, 2) according to claim 25, wherein at least a part of the control module (1, 2) is located in a storage space (S) at least partly enclosed by the seat part of the seat and the back support (4). container.   The inner dimension of the container (B) is measured in the x, y and z directions of Cartesian coordinates, and is approximately the same as the maximum outer dimension of the sheet where the back support (4) is in the second position. 27. A container according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the container is slightly larger than its maximum outer dimension, for example about 10% or 20%.

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